Duke of Wellington housing scheme for 44 homes rejected

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 15:02 · Archive

Wokingham Borough Council's planning committee has rejected a proposal by Wellington Estate, owned by the Duke of Wellington and Wellington Country Park, to build up to 44 homes off Sun Lane in Riseley, south of Reading. The scheme would have included up to 40 per cent affordable homes. The council's planning officers had recommended the scheme for approval, saying the benefits of providing new housing and affordable homes outweighed the harm to the countryside and the site's reliance on private cars.

However, the planning committee voted to refuse the application at a meeting on 14 October. Councillors raised concerns about its impact on the countryside, local infrastructure and its remote location. Ward councillor Dave Hare urged members to reject the plans, citing concerns about nearby listed buildings, drainage and wildlife, saying the density of development would be 'alien' to Riseley and alter its rural character.

Residents and ward councillors opposed the scheme, arguing it would damage the rural character of Riseley and put pressure on schools, GP surgeries and roads. One resident told the committee the scheme would 'urbanise' the village and claimed infrastructure in Riseley and neighbouring Swallowfield was already under strain. Councillors questioned whether the site was suitable for new housing because of its distance from everyday services.

How it is being reported

• Duke of Wellington's 'alien' new home scheme in village thrown out by councillorsA 'wholly unsuitable' and 'alien' proposal to build up to 44 homes on a field in the countryside south of Reading has been rejected by councillors.Reading Chronicle · 19 Oct, 13:30
• Duke of Wellington's 'alien' new home scheme in village thrown out by councillorsA 'wholly unsuitable' and 'alien' proposal to build up to 44 homes on a field in the countryside south of Reading has been rejected by councillors.Bracknell News · 19 Oct, 13:30

In this story: Duke of Wellington · Wellington Estate · Wokingham Borough Council · Riseley · Reading · Wellington Country Park · Dave Hare · Swallowfield

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